The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) in Kerala has announced that it will contest the upcoming three-tier local body elections independently, maintaining distance from all political alliances. The elections are scheduled to be held on December 9 and 11, and the party plans to field nearly 4,000 candidates across the state.

The party’s state president said that SDPI aims to further strengthen its political presence in local self-governance institutions. “Contesting independently is the most effective way to expand our organisational strength and grassroots support,” he stated.

According to SDPI, the party won 103 seats in the 2020 local body elections — a significant rise compared to 2015. Having entered the electoral arena in 2010, SDPI regards this progress as a sign of its steady expansion. This year, the party is fielding candidates at all levels: gram panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporations.

At a recent meeting of the party’s state secretariat, it was decided that SDPI would pose a strong challenge to both the UDF and LDF. While the party may consider strategic adjustments at the local level, it reiterated that it will not form any alliance with the BJP under any circumstances.

SDPI has adopted a multi-layered strategy for the elections, which includes supporting independent candidates in certain areas where the party believes its influence could shape not only the poll outcome but also the orientation of local governance.

The party has identified Mujuppilangad Panchayat and Iritty Municipality in Kannur district, and Ponmala, Cheriyamundam, Athavanad and Kavanur panchayats in Malappuram district as key focus areas where it will strengthen its presence. SDPI is also preparing to expand its influence in several other local bodies in the southern districts.

In Malappuram district alone, the party is contesting around 500 seats. Candidates announced for the district panchayat include Chemmala Yousuf Ali (Trikkalangode), Mirshan Munduži (Vazhakkad), N.C.A. Kabir (Thenhipalam), Sameera Teacher (Mangalam), Yasar Pookkottumpadam (Vazhikkadavu), Hasna Mujeeb (Thavanur), Hanifa Karumbil (Vengara) and K.C. Sameer (Puthanathani).

Across the district, the party is also fielding candidates in more than 400 gram panchayat wards and 50 block divisions.

SDPI leaders said they will reach out to voters with the slogans “Rights to the rightful” and “Corruption-free governance.” They added that the party will present development ideas and policy plans aimed at giving a new direction to local administration.